If you're a first-time renter you could be in for a shock. The rental market is full of potential pitfalls – from homes that aren't as nice as they first seem, to landlords who refuse to return your deposit. Here, a student renter passes on some of the things she wishes she had been told before she moved in to her shared house.

It's good to talk – to your friends …

This is crucial if you are sharing. Discuss what you want from a house (ie double or single beds, how many bathrooms, and how much you're willing to pay as rent) with future housemates – this way you can avoid any petty squabbles and people dropping out just as you think you've found somewhere. If you are moving into a room in a house or flat, write down the questions you want to ask the tenants already living in the property.

… and to the existing tenants

Lettings agents, however nice they are, have the job of getting you to rent one of their houses, whereas tenants actually know what it is like to live there. If you have the chance, take aside one of the current tenants (ideally when the estate agent is out of the room) and find out the warts and all story. Don't be afraid to ask, otherwise you may end up freezing to death during the winter because the house doesn't retain any heat.

The small print can hide all kinds of things

Reading contracts is a boring but essential task. Check for any outlandish charges or hidden clauses. If you don't agree with them, don't move in. No matter how nice the house is, if you are consistently stung for high amounts of money over the smallest issues, it's not worth it.

Copying your key can save you cash

Check the letting agent's policy for lost keys (this may be in the contract). Some are extremely lenient and will replace your key for free or for a small charge. Some will charge you £50 for a replacement, £25 to unlock your door, and make you wait three days for a replacement. If this is the case, invest a tenner and get it copied as soon as possible.

Compile photographic evidence

Take pictures of the house/room as soon as you move in. It may seem a little over the top, but if anything has been damaged by the previous tenants you need to report it to your landlord and have evidence that it wasn't caused by you. This may save the deposit money you get back from being significantly reduced by the time you move out.

Cleaning up after yourself pays

When it is time to move out, organise your housemates so that everyone is responsible for cleaning a part of the house. Also make sure you clean your room thoroughly and remove everything. Even if there are things you don't want any more, take them with you and dispose of them yourself. Some property services will charge you £100 for the disposal of a few pillows and a jam jar, and another £100 for cleaners because you left a little dirt on the window ledge. If you want to leave with more than £50 from your deposit then take moving out seriously.